Systems and Methods Related to Multi-Tenant Residential Building Construction

ABSTRACT

A safe, comfortable, and efficient group home facility in which care staff have direct access from a secures space to each private or semi-private living area. The facility has a floorplan that is conducive to quick action by staff including angled walls, a centeralized staff area. The assisted group home facility includes a centralized and securable staff area. The staff area has all doors into the staff area lockable from the staff area side of each door. The facility also includes at least two residential spaces on opposite sides of the staff area, and a movable wall configured to separate two of the residential spaces. Each residential space includes a bedroom, a bathroom, and at least one seclusion room with a door lockable from outside the room. At least some of the walls in each residential area extend at an angle relative to the movable wall to promote an uninterrupted line of sight to a living area from near the movable wall.

PRIOR RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. provisional patent application 62/685,648 filed Jun. 15, 2018, entitled “Systems and Methods Related to Multi-Tenant Residential Building Construction,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Prior assisted-living facilities (e.g., group homes, residential treatment facilities, halfway houses, state-sponsored monitoring facilities, etc.) may have been considered relatively institutional in character, and relatively clinical and sterile in the manner in which they were organized and structured-Residents are provided a private or semi-private room with all the essentials for providing care or supervision, but the room lacks the feel and capacity for a resident to call it home. Prior facilities simply failed in providing a welcoming and comfortable setting in which to live. Having a home-like setting can be advantageous to resident care and monitoring (and staff safety) in many ways. A more comfortable and independent setting removes the optics of being in a group home and makes living in a facility with localized staff more agreeable to occupants that require a more home-like setting.

Further, many facilities do not have the capacity to provide quick relief to residents suffering from dangerous physical, mental, and/or psychotic episodes, either outward or inward, which may put both staff and the resident at risk of harm. Moreover, living in a group home facility is costly. Much of that cost is related to the number of staff numbers needed to operate the facility safely.

Therefore, the art of assisted-living care is in need of a system that better accommodates residents in a home-like setting that provides a comfortable atmosphere and private or semi-private rooms with efficient staff accessibility in a cost effective way in which resident and staff safety remains paramount.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant disclosure relates generally to the field of providing a safe, comfortable, and efficient group home in which care staff have direct access to each private or semi-private living area.

More particularly, disclosed is an assisted group home facility including a centralized and securable staff area. The staff area has all doors into the staff area lockable from the staff area side of each door. The facility also includes at least two residential spaces on opposite sides of the staff area, and a movable wall configured to separate two of the residential spaces. Each residential space includes a bedroom, a bathroom, and at least one seclusion room with a door lockable from outside the room. At least some of the walls in each residential area extend at an angle relative to the movable wall to promote an uninterrupted line of sight to a living area from near the movable wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top floorplan view of a facility in which a first embodiment of the present invention is provided.

FIG. 2 is a toe floorplan view of a portion of the first embodiment facility shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top floorplan view of a facility in which a second embodiment of the present invention is provided.

FIG. 4 is a top floorplan view of a facility in which a third embodiment of the present invention is provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the disclosure hereof enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the embodiments described merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other ways. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention. It should be noted that like part numbers represent like parts among the various embodiments.

To simplify the disclosure of the present invention, it will be described as it may be applied in the group home field, but it should be understood that broader applications are contemplated.

A first embodiment 10 of a group home facility according to the present invention is provided in FIG. 1. The group home facility 10 preferably comprises a first complex 12 and second complex 14 with a mechanical room 16 and closet 18 located therebetween. The first and second complexes 12,14 are preferably mirror images of each other and therefore, for the sake of clarity and brevity, this disclosure will be directed to the first complex 12 (shown in greater detail in FIG. 2).

Locking at FIG. 2, the first complex is shown in greater detail. The first complex 12 preferably comprises a first living area 100, a second living area 130, a staff area 160, a laundry room 170, and a kitchen 130. The first and second living areas 100,130 are preferably mirror images of each other as shown here; however, alternative layouts are contemplated.

The first living area 100 preferably comprises a bedroom 102, a sensory stimulation room 106, a bathroom 108, a living room 112, and a seclusion room 116. The living room 112 preferably has at least one built-in niche 114 in which to install a television or a monitor (not shown).

The entry 104 to the bedroom 102 and the entry 108 to the bathroom 110 are preferably positioned to allow a staff member to view both entries 104, 106 quickly upon entering the living room 112 from the kitchen 180 and both preferably incorporate a privacy curtain (not shown) in lieu of a lockable door. The privacy curtains (not shown) provide privacy but also allow for ease of response by staff. However, it is contemplated that the entry 104 to the bedroom and/or the entry 106 to the bathroom 110 may comprise a hinged, closeable door, which may or may not be lockable (for example, see FIG. 4).

The sensory stimulation room 106 is preferably configured to provide residents an easily accessible place for receiving sound and/or light therapy. The sensory stimulation room 106 is preferably equipped with sound and/or light therapy equipment (not shown).

The seclusion room 116 is preferably configured to provide a safe environment in which a resident may be placed when experiencing a more dangerous episode. The seclusion room 116 preferably has padded walls (not shown) and a door 118 lockable from the outside. The door 118 is preferably lockable by staff only and is preferably configured to remain locked only while a staff member is activating a locking mechanism (not shown) located adjacent to the door 118.

The first living area 100 also preferably has a first exterior door 120 providing access to and from the living room 112 and a second exterior door 122 providing access near the bedroom 102. The placement of the first exterior door 120 and the second exterior door 122 are preferably located to meet any diagonal egress requirements, such as these found in International Building Code Section 1015.2.1. Preferably both the first exterior door 120 and the second exterior door 122 are configured to be locked and unlocked by remote actuation by staff (e.g., through remote actuated magnetic locks).

The first living area 100 preferably comprises at least one angled wall (as shown in FIG. 1 there is a plurality of angled walls 124. The plurality of angled walls 124 provide a line-of-sight for staff from the living room 112 (and also the first exterior door 120) to the seclusion room 116 and a partition 194. Further, when standing neat the partition 194, a staff member can see all doorways within a living area.

Similar to the first living area 100, the second living area 130 preferably comprises a bedroom 132, a sensory stimulation room 136, a bathroom 138, a living room 142, and a seclusion room 146. The living room 142 preferably comprises at least one built-in niche 144 to install a television or a monitor (not shown).

The second living area 130 also comprises an entry 134 to the bedroom 132 and an entry 140 to the bathroom 138 that are preferably positioned to allow a staff member to view both entries 134,140 quickly upon entering the living room 142 from the kitchen 180 and both preferably incorporate a privacy curtain (not shown) in lieu of a lockable door. However, it is contemplated that the entry 104 to the bedroom and/or the entry 106 to the bathroom 110 may comprise a hinged, closeable door, which may or may not be lockable (for example, see FIG. 4).

The sensory stimulation room 136 and the seclusion room 146 of the second living area 130 are preferably the same as those described above with respect to the first living area 100.

The second living area 130 also preferably has a first exterior door 150 providing access to and from the living room 142 and a second exterior door 152 providing access near the bedroom 132. The placement of the first exterior door 150 and the second exterior door 152 are preferably located to meet any diagonal egress requirements, such as these found in International Building Code Section 1015.2.1. Preferably both the first exterior door 150 and the second exterior door 152 are configured to be locked and unlocked by remote actuation by staff.

The second living area 130 preferably comprises at least one angled wall (as shown in FIG. 1 there is a plurality of angled walls 154. The plurality of angled walls 154 provide a line-of-sight for staff from the living room 142 (and also the first exterior door 150) to the seclusion room 146 and the partition 194.

The group home facility 10 preferably utilizes a minimization of hallways, instead preferably opting to place the sensory stimulation room 106,136 between the living room 112,142 and the bedroom 102,132 to break up the first and second living areas 100,130.

Preferably, all furniture (not shown), bath fixtures, kitchen appliances, controls, and entertainment devices are configured to be protected from tampering or removal by residents. For example, furniture (not shown) may be bolted to the floor and/or weighed down; controls (e.g., thermostats, security panels, and video monitors) are recessed within walls and preferably covered by flat wire guards; entertainment devices such as televisions are recessed within the wall and covered with a transparent and shatterproof material (e.g., a sheet of LEXAN® polycarbonate resin); and the toilet tank covers are removably secured to the toilet tanks.

The staff area 160 is preferably located between the first and second living areas 100,130 and centrally located within the group home facility 10. The staff area 160 may include a staff bathroom (not shown), a work station including equipment for administering care such as computers and various medical equipment (not shown), and an emergency egress (e.g., a stairway (not shown) to the rooftop or other room) to provide a second exit from the staff area 160.

Additionally, or alternatively, cameras (not shown) are located throughout the first and second living areas 100,130; the laundry room 170; and the kitchen 180 to provide a closed circuit television (CCTV) feed to staff located in the staff area 160. Various sensors (e.g., motion sensors, door sensors, window sensors, etc.) (not shown) are preferably provided to alert the staff to resident movement throughout the group home facility 10.

The central location of the staff area 160 not only allows for quick deployment of staff to the first and second living areas 100,130, but it also provides the ability to have a central location for access and control of all television, internet, and other entertainment components for both the first and second living areas 100,130.

As some residents require constant supervision, staff nay be required to always be within a line-of-sight or within a few feet of a resident. The central location of the staff area 160 promotes the use of an auxiliary staff which is available to assist the staff when a resident is experiencing behavioral issues.

It is further contemplated that for residents that require minimal supervision, the feed from the CCTV network and information from the various sensors may be transmitted to a remote command center and a floating staff may be employed to provide care on an as-needed basis.

The laundry room 170 is preferably adjacent to the staff area 160 and separated with a door 162. The laundry room 170 preferably contains a clothes washer 172 and a clothes dryer 174. The door 162 is preferably lockable from inside the staff area 160 to make the staff area 160 a safe place for the staff to stay if a resident becomes dangerous.

In the case of a resident becoming dangerous, the facility 10 is configured to retain the resident within the facility 10 and for the staff to seek safety. The staff can actuate the magnetic locks on the exterior doors 120,122,152,154 by remote (e.g., a fob) and preferably have the ability to select the locks of the first and second exterior doors 120,122 of the first living area 100 independently from the first and second exterior doors 152,154 of the second living area 130 when the partition 194 is in the second position. The staff can use the staff area 160 as a “safe room” by locking any and all doors between the controlled areas and the resident areas, including the door 176 between the laundry room 170 and the kitchen 180 and the door 362 between kitchen 180 and the staff area 160. From the staff area 160, the staff can call for help and/or wait out the dangerous episode.

At least one display case 126,156 may be located in walls adjoining controlled areas (i.e., areas controlled by staff such as the laundry room 170 and the staff area 160) and the first and second living areas 100,130. The display case 126,156 is preferably accessible only from the controlled areas and are visible through a sheet of LEXAN® polycarbonate resin (not shown) from the living areas 100,130. Staff may place objects (not shown) in the display case 126,156 to provide a more home-like feel.

On the other side of the the laundry room 170, opposite the staff area 160, is preferably the kitchen 190. The kitchen 180 preferably comprises a kitchen sink 132, an oven/cooktop 184, a refrigerator 186, a microwave (not shown), and cabinetry 188. The kitchen 180 is separated from the laundry room 170 by a door 176, separated from the first living area 100 with a door 190, and separated from the second living area 130 with a door 192. Therefore, the kitchen 180 is preferably shared by residents of the first living area 100 and the second living area 130 and the staff.

It is contemplated that the door 190 between the first living area 100 and the kitchen 180 may be locked from the living area side (i.e., a key or other mechanism for unlocking a door would be required to enter the kitchen 180 from the first living area 100) but not from the kitchen side. The door 190 may also be lockable from the kitchen side or not lockable at all. It is contemplated that lock configuration for the door 190 may be configurable based on the situation required by the occupant living in the living area 100. The same is contemplated for the door 192 between the second living area 130 and the kitchen 180.

The location of the staff area 160, the laundry room 170, and the kitchen 180 in the middle, separating the first living area 100 and the second living area 130 promotes staff sharing/reduction and provides a more efficient use of the space (i.e., there is only one kitchen and one laundry room to maintain and clean).

Preferably, there is the movable wall or partition 194 separating the first living area 100 and the second living area 130. In a first position, first living area 100 and second living area 130 effectively become a shared living space. In a second position, the partition 194 separates the first and second living areas 100,130 into two individual units joined only by the shared kitchen 180. Because each of the first and second living areas 100,130 comprise a first exterior door 120,150 and a second exterior door 122,152, whether the partition 194 is in the first position or the second position, single-family hone egress code requirements are met. Further to that effect, it is preferable that smoke and/or CO detectors are interconnected throughout the first and second complexes 12,14, while alarm systems (not shown) may be specific to the first and second living areas 100,130.

The partition 194 may take many different forms. As shown in FIG. 1, the partition 194 is a slidable member, however, the partition may be at least one hinged fire door (as shown in FIG. 2 as partition doors 226,228,256,253,326,328,356,358) as well, wherein each partition door 226,228,256,258,326,328,356,358 preferably has a door sweep (not shown) to aid in the reduction of sound traveling from one living area to the other. The partition 194 preferably extends and retracts between the first and second positions along a top track (not shown) and a bottom track 195. When in the first position, the partition 194 is preferably retained within a packet 198 in a wall 196 dividing the first and second living areas 100,130. The partition 194 is preferably lockable in either the first position, the second position, or both positions.

It should be noted as well that the location of the shared kitchen 180 and laundry room 170 eliminates redundancy of those facilities, especially when the partition 194 is in the second position and the first and second living areas 100,130 are combined into one living space.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment 20 of the group home facility according to the present invention in which like numbers represent like elements and many, if not all, all of the elements described with respect to the first embodiment 10 are incorporated herein. The group home facility 20 preferably comprises a first living area 200, a second living area 230, a third living area 300, a fourth living area 330, a staff area 260, a first laundry room 270 a, a second laundry room 270 b, a first kitchen 280 a, and a second kitchen 280 b.

Similar to the first embodiment group home facility 10, the second embodiment group home facility 20 preferably comprises a bedroom 202,232,302,332; a bathroom 208,238,308,338; a seclusion room 216,246,316,346 with lockable doors 218,248,318,348; and a sensory stimulation room 206,236,306,336. In each of the living areas 200,230,300,330, respectively.

Each living area 200,230,300,330 preferably has a first partition door 226,256,326,356 and a second partition door 228,258,328,358 joining an adjacent living area 200,230,300,330. And each bedroom 202,232,302,332 has an entry 204,234,304,334 configured to be covered with a privacy curtain (not shown) and each bathroom 208,238,308,338 has an entry 210,240,310,340 configured to be covered with a privacy curtain (not shown). However, it is contemplated that any of the entries 204,234,304,334 to the bedrooms 202,232,302,332 and/or any of the entries 210,240,310,340 to the bathroom 208,238,308,338 may comprise a hinged, closeable door, which may or may not be lockable.

Each living area 200,230,300,330 preferably comprises a plurality of angled walls 224,254,324,354 to provide line-of-sight viewing paths across the respective living areas 200,230,300,330 from different locations within those living areas 200,230,300,330 and from various entry door locations (i.e., the first exterior doors 220,250,320,350; the second exterior doors 222,252,322,352; the partition doors 226,228,256,258,326,328,356,358; and the staff doors 262 a, 262 b,262 c,262 d).

Each living area 200,230,300,330 is also preferably configured to comply the UDC and the Fire Code and the placement of the first exterior doors 220,250,320,350 relative to the second exterior doors 222,252,322,352 is preferably compliant with diagonal egress requirements such as those found in International Building Code Section 1015.2.1. Preferably both the first exterior doors 220,250,320,350 and the second exterior doors 222,252,322,352 are configured to be locked and unlocked by remote actuation by staff, preferably from the staff area 260.

Shown in the second embodiment of the group home facility 20 is a bathroom 264 in the staff area 260 and a mechanical room 266. The staff area 260 also share the same safety features as the first embodiment staff area 160, including locking staff doors 262 a,262 b,262 c,262 d between the staff area 260 and the living areas 200,230,300,330, respectively.

The group home facility 20 is preferably dividable into any combination of one to four living spaces depending on the sealing of the partition doors 226,228,256,258,326,328,356,358. Preferably, when the group home facility 20 is configured into two living spaces, the partition doors 228,328 between the first living area 200 and the third living area 300 are sealed and the partition doors 258,358 between the second living area 230 and the fourth living area 330 to provide one living space comprising the first living area 200 and the second living area 230 with the first kitchen 260 a and the first laundry room 270 a and another living space comprising the third living area 300 and the fourth living area 330 with the second kitchen 280 b and the second laundry room 270 b.

Each living area 200,230,300,330 is also preferably configured to comply with applicable building codes (e.g., UDC and Fire Code).

Preferably, all furniture (not shown), bath fixtures, kitchen appliances, and entertainment devices are configured to be protected from tampering or removal by residents. For example, furniture (not shown) may be bolted to the floor and/or weighed down; entertainment devices such as televisions are preferably recessed within the wall and covered with a transparent and shatterproof material (e.g., a Flexiglas® acrylic sheet); and toilet tank covers are removably secured (i.e., removal requiring tools) to the toilet tanks.

Similar to the first embodiment 10, staff can retreat to the staff area 260 in case of a dangerous resident. The facility is configured to allow the staff to remotely lock all exterior doors 220,222,250,252,320,322,350,352 and the staff area 260 is configured to become a “safe room” when the staff doors 262 a,262 b,262 c,262 d are locked. However, it should be understood that optionally only those staff doors which lead to the living area in which the dangerous resident is located need necessarily be locked and that only these exterior doors in the living area in which the dangerous resident are located need necessarily be locked.

In view of the first and second embodiments 10,20, it should be understood that the present invention may be embodied in a facility having more living areas surrounding a centralized staff room, for example a 6- or 8-living space facility in the shape of a hexagon or octagon, respectively, in which pairs of living spaces share common utilities such as a laundry room and a kitchen and all of the living spaces share the centrally located staff.

FIG. 4 illustrates a third embodiment 30 of the group home facility according to the present invention in which like numbers represent like elements and many, if not all, all of the elements described with respect to the first and second embodiments 10,20 are incorporated herein. The group home facility 30 preferably comprises a first living area 400, a second living area 430, a third living area 500, a fourth living area 530, a staff area 460, a first laundry room 470 a, a second laundry room 470 b, a first kitchen 480 a, and a second kitchen 490 b.

The third embodiment group home facility 30 is similar to the second embodiment group home facility 20 in that each living area 400,430,500,530 preferably comprises a first bedroom 402 a,432 a,502 a,532 a; a bathroom 408,438,508,536; a living room 412,442,512,542; a seclusion room 416,446,516,546 with lockable doors 418,448,518,548; and a sensory stimulation room 496,436,506,536 in each of the living areas 400,430,500,530, respectively. The group home facility 30 preferably further comprises a second bedroom 402 b,432 b,502 b,532 b in each of the living spaces 400,430,500,530. Similar to the first and second embodiments 10,20 the third embodiment facility 30 comprises a plurality of angled walls 424,454,524,554; first exterior doors 420,450,520,550; second exterior doors 422,452,522,552; first partition doors 426,456,526,556; and second partition doors 428,458,528,556.

Similar to the first and second embodiments 10,20 staff can retreat to the staff area 460 in case of a dangerous resident. The facility is configured to allow the staff to remotely lock all exterior doors 420,422,450,452,520,522,550,552 and the staff area 460 is configured to become a “safe room” when the staff doors 462 a,462 b,462 c,462 d are locked. However, it should be understood that optionally only those staff doors which lead to the living area in which the dangerous resident is located need necessarily be locked and that only those exterior doors in the living area in which the dangerous resident are located need necessarily be locked.

The foregoing is illustrative only of the principles of embodiments according to the present invention. Modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, so it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact disclosure herein provided. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention. 

1. An assisted group home facility including a centralized and securable staff area, the staff area having all doors into the staff area lockable from the staff area side of each door; at least two residential spaces on opposite sides of the staff area, a movable wall configured to separate two of the residential spaces, each residential space including a bedroom, a bathroom, and at least one seclusion room with a door lockable from outside the room; and at least some walk in each residential area extend at an angle relative to the movable wall to promote an uninterrupted line of sight to a living area from near the movable wall.
 2. The assisted group home facility according to claim 1, wherein the bedroom and the bathroom have doorways without doors.
 3. The assisted group home facility according to claim 1, wherein the at least two residential spaces share a kitchen.
 4. The assisted group home facility according to claim 1, wherein each residential space further includes a sensory stimulation room.
 5. The assisted group home facility according to claim 1, wherein each residential space further includes secured or weighed-down furniture.
 6. The assisted group home facility according to claim 1, wherein each residential space further includes video monitors behind protective glass enclosures.
 7. The assisted group home facility according to claim 1, wherein the staff area has emergency egress from the staff area into an area other than only one residential area.
 8. The assisted group home facility according to claim 1, wherein the at least two residential spaces are mirror images of each other.
 9. The assisted group home facility according to claim 1, wherein the facility further includes a laundry off of the staff area, lockable from the staff area.
 10. The assisted group home facility according to claim 1, wherein the angled walk are positioned so that a staff member near the movable wall can see all of the doorways in one of the residential areas.
 11. The assisted group home facility according to claim 10, wherein at least one doorway is out of the residential area, and other doorways are into a bathroom, a bedroom, a seclusion room, and a sensory stimulation room.
 12. An assisted group home facility including a centralized and securable staff area, the staff area having all doors into the staff area lockable from the staff area side of each door; at least two residential spaces on opposite sides of the staff area, the at least two residential spaces sharing a kitchen, the staff area having emergency egress from the staff area into an area other than only one residential area, a movable wall configured to separate two of the residential spaces, each residential space including a bedroom, a bathroom, and at least one seclusion room with a door lockable from outside the room; and at least some walk in each residential area extend at an angle relative to the movable wall to promote an uninterrupted line of sight to a living area from near the movable wall, the angled walls being positioned so that a staff member near the movable wall can see all of the doorways in one of the residential areas, where at least one doorway is out of the residential area, and other doorways are into a bathroom, a bedroom, a seclusion room, and a sensory stimulation room, the bedroom and the bathroom having doorways without doors.
 13. The assisted group home facility according to claim 12, wherein each residential space further includes a sensory stimulation room.
 14. The assisted group home facility according to claim 13, wherein each residential space further includes secured or weighed-down furniture.
 15. The assisted group home facility according to claim 12, wherein each residential space further includes video monitors behind protective glass enclosures.
 16. The assisted group home facility according to claim 12, wherein the at least two residential spaces are mirror images of each other.
 17. The assisted group home facility according to claim 12, wherein the facility further includes a laundry off of the staff area, lockable from the staff area.
 18. The assisted group home facility according to claim 12, wherein the movable wall comprises a hinged fire door.
 19. The assisted group home facility according to claim 1 wherein the movable wall comprises a hinged fire door.
 20. The assisted group home facility according to claim 1, wherein the movable wall comprises a pair of hinged fire doors, each opening into its respective one of the residential areas. 